Graduate Program FAQs

Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the Ph.D. program?

A master of science degree is not a prerequisite for Ph.D program admission. Students who are interested in Ph.D. study should not check the M.S. degree box when filling out the intended degree section of the application form.

What are my chances of admission if my B.S. degree is in a discipline other than chemical engineering?

If you feel you are well prepared for the transition (for example, you took several chemical engineering classes during your B.S. study), please highlight it in your statement of purpose. Also, you should clearly justify your intention to switch to the chemical engineering program. Nowadays, most research subjects overlap in many disciplines; thus, it is not necessary to change the program to do such studies unless your interest lies within core chemical engineering fields that other disciplines do not study. In that case, we expect that you would have a deep knowledge in core chemical engineering courses.

What are the minimum entrance requirements?

We do not impose a numerical rubric on GPA or GRE scores. However, typical students entering our program will have a GPA above 3.5, be in the top 10 percent of their class, and have GRE scores greater than 153 in verbal, greater than 165 in quantitative, and greater than 3.5 in analytical writing. We highly consider students who have GPA or GRE scores slightly lower than these averages, but demonstrated outstanding research capability during their B.S. or M.S. degree studies. Note that the letters of recommendation and the presentation of yourself in the statement of purpose are also extremely important.

English Proficiency: The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.

Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires completion of specified remedial English courses ESL 114G (American Oral English for Academic Purposes) and/or ESL 116G (ESL/Composition for Academic Disciplines) and attainment of a grade of B or higher. Graduate programs may have more stringent requirements.

I have graduated from a University in the U.S. May I be exempt from the TOEFL requirement?

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived for international applicants who have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college, university, or institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Wales

What are my chances of admission?

We understand that most students want to know their chances for admission before applying. Please understand that we cannot evaluate your chances without seeing the full application. The standards above can serve as guidelines, however, they are not absolute. The quality of your undergraduate university also plays a role.

Can I ask and receive a direct admission from a specific professor?

Students are encouraged to contact faculty members of their research interests; that is a good way of learning more about research activities being carried out in the department. However, students should not request direct admission to a specific research group. Upon agreement with an applicant, faculty members may provide his/her input to the graduate admission committee regarding the qualification of the applicant. The official admission letter will be sent out by the committee chair, not by individual faculty members.

What is the timeline for admission decisions?

Please refer to our How to Apply main section for the current deadlines to submit applications to the McWhirter Graduate Program of Chemical Engineering.

Please be advised that we may start granting admission before the deadline and will continue issuing admission until our graduate student need for the coming academic year is met.

What if I haven’t heard about my application?

If it is between January 30 and mid-April, we are holding your application with the potential of further offers.

If you need to respond to other offers while you are waiting for the admission decision from us, please contact the Ph.D. Admissions Committee Chair to explain your situation.

Can I apply if my test scores will not be ready before the application deadline?

It is acceptable to apply if you are still awaiting test scores, however, you must indicate on the application form when you are taking the test. If we do not have this information when we evaluate applications, any potential offer may be delayed, or we may not be able to evaluate your case.

Is my application complete?

The application process is detailed on the How to Apply section of our website. Please complete all steps to ensure your application is complete.

Do I need to complete the Visa Document and Financial Aid Form?

These forms are not required until an official offer has been established.

I am a green card holder/permanent resident. Do I still need to fill out the VISA document or Financial Aid Form?

Permanent U.S. residents with green cards do not need to complete the VISA form. They also do not need to complete the Financial Aid Form.

A graduate minor in chemical engineering is available to both M.S. and Ph.D. students who are enrolled in other graduate programs of related fields at Penn State. Details can be found at the graduate minor program webpage.